OP, does he receive services through your county? If he is already recognized as needing help for the SPD and the ST, then if the private preschool doesn't work out--it will be much easier and faster to get him into the county special ed preschool.

OP, pay attention if they are asking you to describe what SPD is. That means they have no clue what they are doing.

Anonymous wrote:What is a "non-cat" classroom?

non-categorical classroom.

I agree that, if you can, it would be better to wait before putting him in a structured school environment. My child's issues were barely noticable at 2 1/2, and preschool has brought them into stark relief. That said, and without knowing whether your child is sensory seeking or avoidant, I would ask:
1) Have they had other kids with SPD, and what accommodations have they made?
2) What is the recess situation? What about on rainy days? What about if it appears that the child needs more movement on a particular day?
3) Will they allow chewy toys or gum in the classroom (if you have a sensory seeker)?
4) Have they had kids use a bouncy seat or rocking chair during circle time?
5) Is there a place the child can go if they are overwhelmed by sensory input (which presumes your child is self aware enough to do that before a meltdown ensues)?
6) What is the snack situation? (Artificial ingredients may trigger; low blood sugar may trigger; sensory seekers need more snacking; etc).
You'll get a sense if they're willing to work with you, and whether they have any experience in these issues. If possible, try to talk to the teachers -- unfornately, these tours are always done by the directors or admissions person, when its the teachers who really control what goes on day to day.

What is a "non-cat" classroom?

Anonymous wrote:My DS went to a preschool that claimed to be inclusive but really couldn't handle it. I'm sure if I had asked all the right questions they would have given me all the right answers. I don't think its about asking the right questions.

My regret was not sending him to a therapeutic preschool where he could have gotten what he needed. The rule of thumb is to fit the school to the child, don't try to fit the child to the school. Since you already know your DC has SN, I would look for a therapeutic preschool.

Also you should have a full evaluation by a developmental pediatrician. SPD is an OT diagnosis, not a medical diagnosis. It can exist without another diagnosis but often it is a symptoms of something else and the danger is that parents get the OT diagnosis and stop there, delaying the actual diagnosis. Your DS is very young and he will have the benefit of early intervention. You just want to make sure he's getting the right early intervention.

Also a developmental pediatrician could help you focus on the right schools.

+1. We too sent our DC to what was promoted as "inclusive school". We started getting phone calls from day 1 and complaints how teachers couldn't handle him. We removed him from that environment within 2 months but still, every time we pass that school, I get shivers down my spine. Luckily, DS has been attending a nurturing non-cat classroom and has really thrived. He is no longer afraid of teachers and truly enjoys going to school.

Anonymous wrote:He would be best served by the county special Ed preschool. Small classes, on site speech therapy, experienced teachers.

This. My kid with SPD, social/emotional delays, fine motor/speech delays has been in PEP in MCPS for two years and it has been life-changing.

He would be best served by the county special Ed preschool. Small classes, on site speech therapy, experienced teachers.

My DS went to a preschool that claimed to be inclusive but really couldn't handle it. I'm sure if I had asked all the right questions they would have given me all the right answers. I don't think its about asking the right questions.

My regret was not sending him to a therapeutic preschool where he could have gotten what he needed. The rule of thumb is to fit the school to the child, don't try to fit the child to the school. Since you already know your DC has SN, I would look for a therapeutic preschool.

Also you should have a full evaluation by a developmental pediatrician. SPD is an OT diagnosis, not a medical diagnosis. It can exist without another diagnosis but often it is a symptoms of something else and the danger is that parents get the OT diagnosis and stop there, delaying the actual diagnosis. Your DS is very young and he will have the benefit of early intervention. You just want to make sure he's getting the right early intervention.

Also a developmental pediatrician could help you focus on the right schools.

I am all for daycare/full time preschool. Both of my kids started daycare at 12 weeks. For my NT DD preschool at 3 was fine. For my SN son, preschool was a nightmare. I got calls daily that there were issues. But I still work full time so he has to go. We have finally gotten into PEP and I'm hoping that will help change things around. But if I could I would keep him home with me or hire a nanny for the part of the day that he's not in PEP.

OP here. My son is now 2, but will by almost 3 by the time he starts preschool. We are applying for next fall.

Anonymous wrote:Don't send a 2 year old to preschool. If he has SPD or signs of sensory overload then keep him home. He shouldn't be in "circle time" at 2. Seriously. Of course he has SPD. He's being asked to attend to sensory input that he shouldn't need to. Keep his world safer, small and then slowly open when he is developmentally ready. I wish I head done that. Preschool for 2 year olds is ridiculous.

Agree. Preschool is completely not necessary for NT 2 yr olds. Let's be honest, it's daycare. For a little one with SPD, it can be pure torture. Try to avoid unless you absolutely need childcare to go to work.

Don't send a 2 year old to preschool. If he has SPD or signs of sensory overload then keep him home. He shouldn't be in "circle time" at 2. Seriously. Of course he has SPD. He's being asked to attend to sensory input that he shouldn't need to. Keep his world safer, small and then slowly open when he is developmentally ready. I wish I head done that. Preschool for 2 year olds is ridiculous.

if the preschool is inclusive, they are used to re-directing kids. Also, at 2, it's pretty typical for kids needing redirection at circle time, so your kid definitely won't be the only one.

My 2 yr old with SPD and apraxia has a playdate at a few inclusive Preschools in the upcoming weeks. Can anyone who has had experience with a very young spd child recommend questions I should ask the school re: accomodations?Ie if he won't sit in circletime, do they redirect him or let him roam. Etc... Hoping those of you who have had good and bad exprrieneces can help me know what to look
For.
Thanks!